More

World Cup stars to auction jerseys

Players from all 14 World Cup nations are donating signed jerseys to help raise funds for Australia's bushfire victims. Credit: SWpix.com Copyright: SWpix.com

Australian and overseas World Cup rugby league stars have joined the NRL in forming a unique auction to raise money for the NSW bushfire victims.

From midday on Saturday 2 November, the NRL will auction 24 jerseys from the official Holden Kangaroos 2013 Rugby League World Cup Tour kits.

The NRL will host all auctions on nrl.com/auctions with bids on the Australian players' jerseys kicking off at 12pm.

Australian hooker Robbie Farah said the Kangaroos were calling on all fans to dig deep to help those families who had been devastated by the fires.

“We want to raise as much money as possible,” Farah said.

“There will be a real sense of rivalry among the boys in the squad to see who can generate the most money over the weeks ahead but it is all in a great cause.”

Details concerning individual auction items, times and delivery details can be found on nrl.com/auctions or the individual item listings.

NRL Chief Operating Officer Mr Jim Doyle said that people needed to be mindful of how long it would take to rebuild in many communities:

“A lot of the public attention fades when the fires move through but the needs of the family’s remains and this is just one way we can try and help,” Doyle said.

“Rugby league is a community game and across every team people are looking for the chance to lend a hand.

“This auction is a great way to collect some unique sporting memorabilia and experiences while helping those who need a hand.”

At the conclusion of the Kangaroos auction, on November 12, the NRL will continue the fund-raising push, auctioning premium 2014 State of Origin (Sydney) and Telstra Premiership Grand Final tickets.

Also, RLPA President Clint Newton – who has played with two of the clubs most affected by the disaster, Penrith and Newcastle (where he returns next season), and who is playing with the USA Tomahawks in the World Cup – has arranged for jerseys signed by each of the 14 World Cup nations to be auctioned at the conclusion of the tournament.

“It is a real credit to all involved the way players are showing how much these events affect the whole rugby league community,” Newton said.

“At the Tomahawks we had the idea of a jersey from each nation, the Australians are donating jerseys from their kit and the NRL and the NRL clubs are also providing auction items to help raise money.”